Ten Months After Boot Camp Beating, Parents Want Justice

Posted: Wed 6:26 PM, Sep 27, 2006&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Wed 6:32 PM, Sep 27, 2006

Fourteen-year-old Martin Lee Anderson died after being suffocated by guards at the now-closed Bay County Boot Camp nearly 10 months ago, but even after an independent autopsy, at least two police investigations and the assignment by Gov. Jeb Bush of a special prosecutor, no one’s been charged.

Martin’s parents called a news conference to publicly ask the governor why this case is taking so much longer than others.

Gina Jones, the mother, said, "I come here today personally to ask the governor, if that was his son he seen on the video, would he have faith in the system after 10 months?"

The family and their attorneys worry nothing will be done until after the election. Special Prosecutor Mark Ober’s office told them it would be at least another six weeks, and they fear they’ll have to start the process all over again with a brand new governor.

Benjamin Crump, attorney, said, "The people of the state of Florida should be outraged because everybody sees the writing on the wall. November 7 is, let’s face it, it’s a turning point."

Martin Lee Anderson’s parents have been trying to schedule a face-to-face meeting with the governor, but were told his schedule was booked all day.

Gov. Jeb Bush did say last week that he also wants the investigation wrapped up.

"I hope so. I hope it will be, but Mr. Ober isn’t saying when it will be complete, so it’s been very frustrating," said Bush.

It’s much more than frustrating for Martin’s family who is struggling to maintain faith in the system.

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